THE ACADEMY PROSPECTUS 2020 THE ACADEMY PROSPECTUS 2020 3
Contents
Dear Parents 5 Curriculum Provision 6 Achievement 10 Uniform 12 School Life 14 Dining Facilities 16 Pastoral Care 19 Learning the Academy Way 20 Parental Access and Information 22 State-of-the-art Facilities 25 Gaelic Sports 26 Extracurricular Activities 30 Music and Drama 33 Opportunities Near and Far 34 Bigger and Better 39 Leadership and Personal Development 40 Careers 42 After School 44 Past Pupils 45 Religious Education and Spiritual Growth 46 New School 49 Charities 50 THE ACADEMY PROSPECTUS 2020 5
Dear Parents
I am delighted that you are considering sending your child to St Patrick’s Academy. We recently moved into a brand new school and great care was taken in designing a school around the needs of young people. Central to that is the Catholic Ethos which puts the needs of children first; Children need space and light; they need access to recreational areas where they can socialise and grow in confidence.
They also need space for spiritual connection as well as facilities for the widest range of extracurricular activities. I am confident that if you come along to our school you will see a place that delivers all of these and more. We provide the very best in sport, music and drama and the range of activities available to our young people is extensive and growing.
While the Academy is steeped in tradition embracing Catholic education, Gaelic sports and Irish language and culture, we are a responsive school as our ethos drives us to respond to the changing needs of our pupils and to go the extra mile for them. Our staff are committed to this and our classrooms were designed around the needs of learners, underpinned by the best ideas in pedagogy.
At St Patrick’s Academy we never stand still; we are always striving to improve what we do and to offer more and I am confident that if you choose the Academy for your child, you will not be disappointed.
Principal Fintan Donnelly THE ACADEMY 6 PROSPECTUS 2020
Curriculum Provision
The Academy’s curriculum is broad and balanced. The majority of our students will take nine It goes beyond the requirements of the Northern subjects to GCSE, but there are opportunities Ireland Curriculum whilst, at the same time, for students to take ten or more subjects. As a maximising opportunities for the greatest number of grammar school we continue to place a strong students. We are able to accommodate the choices emphasis on academic rigour and on preparing of the vast majority of pupils. You will be reassured our students for quality university courses, yet to know that in an era of great change, we maintain we equally encourage pupils to consider the a solid grammar school curriculum with a strong new opportunities that are open to them such emphasis on English, Mathematics, the Sciences, as apprenticeships and foundation degrees. Languages and Humanities, but we complement this with one of the widest ranges of new courses available locally. We embrace areas such as: IT, Business, Media, Performing Arts, Social Sciences, Health & Social Care and Engineering, so as to equip our young people for the future with the right blend of knowledge, understanding and skills.
Subject options at KS4 are fully flexible, affording pupils the opportunity to take the subjects most suited to their needs and aspirations. This is supported by our extensive careers education programme which aims to support pupils in recognising their skills and qualities and matching them to the most suitable courses. We spend a lot of time with students discussing subject choice both at GCSE and A Level. Subject options at post-16 are designed (i) to ensure that the subject requirements of all third level courses are met (ii) to reflect “I was unsure about which subjects to choose for student demand and (iii) to provide opportunities GCSE. I originally chose Irish but after a short time I for each student to develop the skills and attributes realised it wasn’t the right subject for me. My teachers needed to contribute fully to society in adult life. were very understanding and took the time to discuss the wide range of options available. I am now studying GCSE Digital technology programming, which I am really enjoying and I now hope to study Software Systems Development for A level.” Paul McAweaney, Year 12 THE ACADEMY PROSPECTUS 2020 9
KS3 GCSE A Level
Art & Design Additional Mathematics Accounting Careers Education Art & Design Applied Business Drama Business Studies Art & Design English Careers Education (not examined) Biology French Digital Technology – Multimedia Business Studies Geography Digital Technology – Programming Careers Education (not examined) History Double Award Science Chemistry Home Economics Drama Construction (BTEC) ICT Engineering Digital Technology Irish English Language Economics Mathematics English Literature Engineering (BTEC) Music Food and Nutrition English Literature Physical Education French Food Technology Personal Development Further Maths French & Citizenship Geography Further Maths (A/S Level) Religious Education History General RE (not examined) Science Irish Geography Technology Italian Government & Politics Journalism Health and Social Care Learning for Life & Work History Mathematics Irish Media Studies Mathematics Music Media Studies Physical Education Moving Image Art Religious Education Music Single Award Science Nutrition and Food Science Spanish Performing Arts Technology Physical Education (not examined) Triple Award Science Physics Psychology Religious Studies Sociology Software Systems Development Sports Studies Technology THE ACADEMY Aoife Corr who achieved Grade A* in all four of her A Level subjects. Aoife 10 PROSPECTUS 2020 achieved Grade A* in Biology, Chemistry, Geography and Mathematics and will study Veterinary Science at The University of Liverpool.
Achievement
The Academy has a long tradition in producing While the rigour of traditional A’ Level subjects academic excellence and we pride ourselves in has undoubtedly increased, it is pleasing to see so maintaining that tradition. We achieve it by nurturing many of our pupils still performing at a high level and relationships and creating an environment where gaining access to the most competitive university children are happy. We know that when children courses and apprenticeship degree programs. are happy, they thrive. With supportive teaching We monitor our pupils’ progress closely and and innovative approaches, we develop a culture of intervene with a variety of learning support learning that produces outstanding results year after strategies at the earliest possible stage. year. We work hard to raise the standards for every child regardless of his or her particular strengths Our focus is on providing the pupil with a helping and we work to add value to the performance of hand where it is needed so that they don’t fall every child. We are always responding to changing behind or lose motivation. While examination economic conditions as the skills and qualifications results are not everything, we all know that good needed for the 2020s and beyond are very different results greatly improve a young person’s life from those that were needed a generation ago. chances, so academic excellence is something that we will not compromise on. At the same The success of our approach is evident in our time, we are conscious that life chances are pupils’ 2018 GCSE performance. Over 96% of enhanced through the development of wider skills our pupils achieved 7+ GCSEs at grades A*-C. in teamwork, communication, decision making, In English and Maths pupils achieved 99.47% interpersonal relations and personal presentation. and 97.86% respectively in grades A*-C. Double We invest in all of these for our pupils and any Award Science also produced excellent results young person coming out of the Academy will with over 95% of pupils achieving A*A*-CC. Our have the academic achievement but will also have pupils are frequently among the top achievers in the skills and qualities needed to succeed in life. Northern Ireland. For example, in 2019 we had students placed in the top three in Northern Ireland in GCSE Double Award Science and RE. In 2019, 16 of our A’ Level subjects achieved
At A’ Level we continue to have great success 100% A*-C with over 90% of grades in the A*-C band. We including English and History strive to maintain high standards of performance and our pupils continue to produce excellent In English and Maths GCSE pupils achieved results year on year. For example, over the past two years our A’ Level Maths department has 99.47% and 97.86% averaged over 90% of pupils achieving A*-C. respectively in grades A*-C While, in 2019, 16 of our A’ Level subjects achieved 100% A*-C including English and History. THE ACADEMY 12 PROSPECTUS 2020 “I love my St Patrick’s Academy uniform because it looks nice and it is comfortable. Wearing the uniform makes me feel like I am part of a special team.” Dayna Hughes, Ballyoran Primary School Portadown
Uniform
The Academy uniform is designed to be practical, smart, comfortable, affordable and easily available. Wearing the correct uniform shows commitment and pride in being an Academy pupil and is clearly associated with our high standards, expectations and school ethos.
All Students Outdoor Clothing School blazer with crest School scarf Clip-on school tie Outdoor jacket: navy waterproof jacket Years 8 -12 blue Trutex/Banner blouse/shirt with the school crest may be worn over, not instead of, the blazer Years 13 & 14 white Trutex/Banner blouse/shirt V-neck jumper (school regulation only) PE Uniform: Years 8 – 12 Boys and Girls School crested football shirt, shorts and socks Girls’ Clothing Trainers, football boots, swimwear Navy pleated skirt worn below the knee (school regulation only) Plain black leather school shoes - heel height Hair Styles must not exceed 2.5cm; ‘sling-backs’, mules, Hair should be neat and tidy at all times. boots, trainers and so on are not permitted Students must not adopt hairstyles which are Navy tights extreme, with regard to length or colour Years 13 & 14 white Trutex/Banner blouse/shirt Hair should not be cut more closely than ‘Number 3’ V-neck jumper (school regulation only) Boys’ faces must be clean shaven
Boys’ Clothing A full copy of the uniform policy including Plain black trousers our position on make-up, jewellery and hair Black Socks styles is available on the school website. Plain black leather shoes THE ACADEMY 14 PROSPECTUS 2020
School Life
Week Planner Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
9.00 Science Art Music English Maths Mrs A Devlin Mrs S McCarthy Mrs K Mullin Mrs M Dennehy Mr C Gourley Phy2 Art1 Mus1 Eng5 PLN2
9.30 Science Art Music English Maths Mrs A Devlin Mrs S McCarthy Mrs K Mullin Mrs M Dennehy Mr C Gourley Phy2 Art1 Mus1 Eng5 PLN2
10.00 English Geography Religion IT History Mrs M Dennehy Miss R Donnelly Mrs E Devlin Mrs S Donnelly Mr J Heatley Eng5 RE2 RE2 Gen His4 10.30 - 10.45 Break
10.45 English Geography Geography IT History Mrs M Dennehy Miss R Donnelly Miss R Donnelly Mrs S Donnelly Mr J Heatley Eng5 RE2 RE2 Gen His4
11.15 History Religion English French Irish Mr J Heatley Mrs E Devlin Mrs M Dennehy Mr K Maynes Mrs M Coyle His4 RE2 Eng5 MSt2 Lan8
11.45 French History English French Irish Mr K Maynes Mr J Heatley Mrs M Dennehy Mr K Maynes Mrs M Coyle MSt2 His4 Eng5 MSt2 Lan8
12.15 Irish Irish French Irish PD Mrs M Coyle Mrs M Coyle Mr K Maynes Mrs M Coyle Mr R Devlin Lan8 Lan8 MSt2 Lan8 Eng8 12.45 - 1.30 Lunch
1.30 Technology Home Economics Maths Maths PE Mr K Collins Miss R Donnelly Mr C Gourley Mr C Gourley Mr J Slater PLN3 HE1 PLN2 PLN2 P2
2.00 Technology Home Economics Maths Religion PE Mr K Collins Miss R Donnelly Mr C Gourley Mrs E Devlin Mr J Slater PLN3 HE1 PLN2 RE2 P2
2.30 Maths Science Science Relgion PE Mr C Gourley Mrs A Devlin Mrs A Devlin Mrs E Devlin Mr J Slater PLN2 Phy2 Phy2 RE2 P2
3.00 Maths Science Science Geography French Mr C Gourley Mrs A Devlin Mrs A Devlin Miss R Donnelly Mr K Maynes PLN2 Phy2 Phy2 RE2 MSt2 THE ACADEMY 16 PROSPECTUS 2020 “I really enjoy the food in the school canteen and the cooks are super nice. I love going to the mezzanine because it’s a nice place to sit and have break, the seats are comfortable and there is a great selection of healthy food to enjoy.” Olivia Coogan, Tullysaran primary school
Dining Facilities
We have three very modern dining areas in the From a school perspective, we take great Academy, serving a wide range of snacks and pride in producing food that is nutritious, meals at breakfast, break and lunchtime. We also delicious, imaginative and attractively have a coffee shop for older students available presented, with the emphasis being on in the Ardlann. Ask any pupil and they will tell you healthier choices. We have a range that the dining areas are great places to catch up of menus to ensure that our pupils with your friends over breakfast, break or lunch. always have plenty of choice.
BREAKFAST MENU 8.15am - 8.50am Free Bowl of Porridge (for all year groups) in the Canteen between 8.20am and 8.45am Plain Omelette or Toast/ Poached Egg - 75p
MORNING BREAK 10.30am - 11.10am Ham/Cheese Bagel - 75p Or why not choose Homemade Soup of the Day, a piece of Fruit or a Yoghurt instead
LUNCH MENU 12.45pm - 2.00pm A choice of; Chicken & Vegetable Pie with Vegetables and Potatoes - £2.19 Pasta Bolognaise - £1.53 Baked Chilli Salmon Fillet - £1.65 Chicken & Chorizo Paella - £1.53 Vegetable Noodles - £1.53
A balanced diet is essential to allow all students to learn and participate fully. THE ACADEMY PROSPECTUS 2020 19
Pastoral Care
When you entrust your child to us, you can they arise. We believe in creating a happy and be confident that he or she will be treated supportive environment and find that this leads to with respect and every effort made to help better learning and greater personal achievement develop friendships. Our Year 8 pupils have as your child progresses through the school. many wonderful opportunities to establish new friendships beginning with events such as Seal Early in Year 8 our pupils experience the unique Scléipe in June followed by our Yellow Brick Road “Find, Follow and Connect on the Yellow Brick Programme in September. We have introduced a Road” programme which helps young people new ‘Settling In’ form to enable each child to tell develop perspective and resilience, while building us a little bit about themselves so that they can lasting friendships. You will be reassured to know be placed in a class with like-minded children that, should your child need additional support, with similar interests and hobbies. This should we provide a very comprehensive counselling enable pupils to find new and lasting friendships. service, which goes far beyond that which you will find in most schools. Our counsellor is a Our Year 8 pupils have the school to themselves trained psychotherapist and Trauma-Informed on their first day and our senior prefects are on Counsellor. We are Northern Ireland’s first Trauma- hand to show them around. At lunch time all Year Informed school and as a school community we 8 students get out five minutes early to give them have exhibited the ability to work together as a priority in the dining room and to give them the strong unit to support all of the children in our additional opportunity to explore all the facilities care. We invest a lot of time and energy into our available. For the month of September, they get out pastoral care provision to ensure the personal of class five minutes early at home time so that they development and well-being of each child. have a little more time to familiarise themselves with the bus system in place. We always maintain From their first day in Year 8, every effort is made to a strong teacher presence around the Academy make the transition to the Academy an enjoyable – on the corridors, in the playgrounds and football and stress-free process. We have a teacher who pitches and at the bus waiting areas. This keeps specialises in working with primary schools so good order for everyone and there will always that we have a better understanding of how pupils be an adult to ask if your child has a problem. have been learning in KS2 and we can make the progression to KS3 as successful as possible. We place great emphasis in our pastoral programme “I took part in The Yellow Brick Road programme, it has helped me to realise how to easy it can be on the formation and nurturing of friendships and as a consequence when we ask our pupils what to fit in at the Academy. The Wizard of Oz showed us that Dorothy faced new challenges just like they liked best about the Academy they placed us starting a new school and she finished her journey making many new friends along the way.” friends and teachers at the top of the list. Our Patsy Cullen, Edendork Primary School pupils find their own space to grow and develop and we work hard at resolving differences when THE ACADEMY 20 PROSPECTUS 2020
Learning the Academy Way
Peer Mentoring Collaborative Learning Groups The Peer Mentoring programme at St Patrick’s Academy, provides St Patrick’s Academy has been developing the use of a powerful opportunity to harness the natural influence which collaborative learning groups for many years. They provide young people have on each other. It is based on ‘The Big Brother, valuable opportunities for students to work and learn together. Big Sister’ approach whereby the older pupils help the younger Small groups of students meet on a weekly basis to work pupils to develop emotionally, socially and academically. This through set tasks which are designed to spark discussion process requires the mentor to have a high level of interest, between the group members. The benefits of these groups empathy and a genuine desire to help the younger pupil. The range from improved comprehension of subject matter to mentors receive training in order to develop their own knowledge the attainment of higher level thinking skills. Students are not and understanding of the role and develop the skills and attributes only working on academic development but are developing of a successful mentor. The mentees find in their mentor, a trusted their independence, confidence and social skills. advisor and friend to whom they can relate, and from whom they get a ‘helping hand’. The mentoring programme therefore Master Class in Creative Writing boosts self-confidence and creates a positive experience for The master class workshop in writing began last October mentor and mentee. This approach to overcoming hurdles has with the expressed aim of raising to a higher level, the creative now become embedded in the Academy pupil experience. writing skills of talented and innovative writers previously identified by English teachers. The workshops are chaired Mentee Review by Robert Devlin and delivered by Anthony Quinn, the highly I get to meet with my mentor who gives me one to one help with successful professional crime writer. Over the course of 10 topics I am finding difficult. I look forward to going to each session weeks, the students create a short creative story concentrating as I find it easier to ask questions and I feel much more confident. on plot, characterisation, structure and language. The final aim is to have an anthology of their short stories published Mentor Review through Amazon with recommendations from other “I really enjoyed the experience of mentoring. It began as professional writers attached. The anthologies will be sold something that I wrongly preconceived as being a simple and online through Amazon with any profits given to the students meaningless session to have a chat, yet it developed into a as a reward for completing their first published work. programme of great benefit to myself and my mentee. I had to alter my thinking and ways of explaining and apply it to Open All Hours someone else’s learning style, and in doing so, I discovered Many of the peer teaching and collaborative groups run after “St Patrick’s Academy has developed an incredible web of support and intervention new approaches to learning. My mentee developed her school from 3.30-5pm. In addition, many pupils also study that truly involves and benefits the whole school community. We have watched confidence in analysing questions and including key words in independently under supervised conditions after school, her answers; enriching those skills she initially struggled with.” with facilities available until 6pm. These facilities are also their Peer Mentors grow in skill and confidence and their Collaborative Learning Jarlath Swail, Head Boy offered during the Easter holidays and coming up to exams. Groups develop countless independent learners. The staff have a real passion for Whichever approach suits your child best they will always teaching and demonstrate commitment to helping every learner grow and inch be welcome and staff will be there to offer encouragement and provide them with a cup of tea as they work. closer to their potential. It has been Learn Spark’s privilege to partner with St Patrick’s on this journey. We are excited to see where they will venture next.” Paul Gray, Learn Spark Senior Facilitator and Director THE ACADEMY 22 PROSPECTUS 2020
Parental Access and Information
When you entrust the Academy with the care We host parent teacher meetings each year to and education of your child, we see that as the provide you with the opportunity to get a first-hand beginning of a partnership with you in the nurturing report on your child’s progress and development and development of your son or daughter until they with each teacher. At the same time, we always leave us as young men and women. In order for this emphasise that your role in your child’s education partnership to work effectively, we provide many cannot be confined to the formal meetings and opportunities for parents to become closely involved reports so we keep an “open door” policy. We with their children’s education and development. encourage you to contact us and meet with us should you be concerned about any aspect of We begin with a Parent Information Morning in your child’s progress or development. Equally, we August of Year 8 where you will get the opportunity do not wait for problems to arise and we will make to meet with your child’s Form Tutor and other key contact with you if we have any concerns about members of staff such as the school counsellor, your child’s progress or happiness. We provide you both of whom will play an important role in ensuring with progress statements twice each year as well as the well-being of your child. Our team will lead full written reports once a year and we follow these discussion on all aspects of settling in, making up with individual meetings where appropriate. friends, negotiating buses, and we bring in some of our partners in areas such as attendance, bullying and internet safety to allow you to see how we work with and support our Year 8 pupils. This first meeting will be an important step in opening up communication between parents and school and you will have an opportunity to ask questions and become familiar with the type of learning your child will be experiencing in his or her first year.
“The transition from primary school to St. Patrick’s Academy was an exciting milestone. A range of key interventions including a transition day, information sessions and open days made adjusting to the new, larger, school environment a really positive experience. As a parent, I also feel that there is an excellent bridge between the home and the school. The communication process keeps me engaged, informed and confident in Claire’s choice of school.” Alice McAleer THE ACADEMY PROSPECTUS 2020 25
State-of-the-art Facilities
Our school is one of the largest in Northern Ireland We believe in making our facilities accessible and with all of the latest specialised facilities. For our new library is one of the best used spaces in example, our science and technology suites are the school, while smaller groups of students have modelled on the latest educational thinking with facilities to run their own collaborative learning classroom layouts and equipment. All classrooms groups. All classrooms are fitted with Teaching are designed around the needs of learners Walls, incorporating the latest digital touchscreen and are equipped so as to facilitate the most technology, an important element of our programme effective teaching and learning approaches. to allow for more flexible teaching strategies that facilitate different modes of learning. Equally, with access to sand carpet and 3G pitches, tennis courts, soccer, Gaelic pitches, handball walls and table tennis as well as a full size sports hall and a gym, fitness suite, dance studio and a sports pavilion, our sporting facilities are the best in the region.
Those who are interested in astronomy have access to a rather unique facility in the school observatory with a rotating dome and 14-inch telescope. Opportunities to work with the equipment and facilities used by professionals are some of the best ways of inspiring young people to aim high and to develop a clearer sense of possible career paths at an early age. This is why we complement our facilities with extensive input from professionals in the world of work. We use the same approach in music and media studies, where pupils are able to work with iPads and Apple Mac suites, experiencing the professional world of music technology and video editing. The new suites for the creative and expressive elements of the curriculum are extensive and of the highest quality.
“The range of options that the pupils of this school have is impressive, and I encourage you all to make full use the terrific facilities and to try out different things.” Michael D Higgins, President of Ireland, 8th March 2019 THE ACADEMY 26 PROSPECTUS 2020
Gaelic Sports
The Academy prides itself on a well-earned The MacRory Cup is the blue ribbon event of Ulster reputation for sports. Our sporting pedigree is Colleges sporting calendar and we are proud to something we value and celebrate as a school have a tremendous record in this competition. community and we have a number of experienced We achieved success in 1991, 1997, 2004, 2008 and dedicated teachers within our staff that coach and 2009. We were also beaten finalists in 2011, and manage teams in a wide variety of sports. In 2015 and we had a great run in 2016, reaching addition, we have appointed a full time Gaelic coach the semi-final. Our most recent endeavours who will assist and challenge players to achieve took us to the quarter-finals of the competition their full potential. We are committed to providing where we played St. Patrick’s Maghera. the best sporting opportunities for all our pupils. We have been very successful in the modern era The hard work and commitment displayed winning numerous trophies and competing regularly by our students has not gone unnoticed. In in the latter stages of competitions. All our pupils are our sporting history we have produced many encouraged to develop their sporting interests and players who have been recognised as being talents and can avail of a number of opportunities among the elite in their age group. In total we on a recreational and/or competitive basis. We have received 27 Colleges All Stars with Ryan encourage pupils to participate in whatever way McCabe being the most recent recipient in 2019. they can, as it is a great source of enjoyment and Many of our players have gone on to play for an opportunity to build lasting friendships. their respective university and county team.
Boys Gaelic Hurling Every boy coming into Year 8 is encouraged to Hurling is also prominent in school life, with attend after school GAA coaching from as early numerous successes over the years including as their first week in the school. The emphasis at most recently when six of our hurlers featured in this stage is on fun, participation and enjoyment. the Casement Cup 2018 winning team. Teams play at Ulster Colleges level and over the years Competitions entered for boys Gaelic Football several of our students have been recognised with Year 8: Oisin McGrath Cup, The Martin Provincial All Star awards. Most recently, Conall O’Farrell Blitz, Ulster Colleges Blitz Devlin received the highest individual accolade Year 9: D’alton Cup, Nannery Cup in Ulster schools hurling when he received Year 10: Corn na nOg the Hurler of the year award for 2019 for his Year 11: Brock Cup performances in the Casement Cup campaign. Year 12: Rannafast Cup As primary 7 pupil I was very aware of the tradition of Gaelic games in the Academy and Year 13 & 14: MacCormack Cup, MacRory Cup it was something I wanted to be a part of. Playing Gaelic football for my school has allowed me to develop lifelong friendship groups and it has provided me with opportunities to improve my performance against some of the best players at Ulster schools level." Ronan Mc Hugh Year 14 MacRory Team Captain THE ACADEMY PROSPECTUS 2020 29
Ladies Gaelic and Camogie Sporting Opportunities All Year 8 girls will have the opportunity to take In addition to our traditional Gaelic sports, students can opt to participate part in both Gaelic Football and Camogie before in netball, basketball, golf, soccer, cross country and athletics. progressing to compete in the Ulster Colleges competitions. It is hoped that pupils will remain One of the most popular sports in the Academy, basketball, is offered to boys part of these special teams, developing genuine and girls in all year groups. We have had notable success at both provincial friendships, experience success and even and All-Ireland level in recent years. In 2019, our girls’ teams won the North individual recognition as a College’s All Star. regional finals, with the Year 10 girls reaching the All Ireland semi finals. Meanwhile, the boys’ teams continue to compete at a local and national Competitions Entered for Ladies level with a number of teams reaching an All-Ireland play-off in 2019. Gaelic and Camogie Gaelic Football: Year 8, U.14, U.16 and U.20 A number of our students are represented on Basketball Northern Camogie: Year 8, U.14, Junior and Senior Ireland teams. School Netball also attracts a large number of participants from various year groups with teams competing in the The 2019 sporting year was particularly Mid-Ulster competitions and the N.I. League at junior level. significant for our Senior Ladies in both Camogie and Gaelic football. Both teams If you are interested in cross country and athletics, our recently formed were successful at provincial level, winning the club has gone from strength to strength with increasing numbers of Ulster Championship and progressing all the participants and growing success. The club consists of students from way to their respective All-Ireland finals. Year 8 to Year 12, with boys and girls competing at Local, District and Ulster level. The Athletics team have also had great success with 35 This was the first time in Academy history that students competing in the District ‘E’ track and field championships a Camogie team reached the All-Ireland final with podium finishes in six events resulting in Ulster representation. and they were unlucky to suffer a narrow defeat “True friendships formed, loyalty learned, against Colásite Muire, Ennis. A promising future Our Year 10-14 students also have the opportunity to train with our lies ahead for Camogie in the school as our U.14 soccer teams who enter the N.I Cup and Mid Ulster Cup, and our Golfers talents trained, commitment caught and an team reached the 2019 Ulster Final and in October have the opportunity to enter a number of competitions such as the 2019, the Ulster Colleges Camogie association Ulster Championship and the Darren Clarke Schools’ League. understanding of empathy and faith in both conferred the highest honour of All Star to two of our players, Reagan Fay and Emma Donnelly. We have a range of sporting opportunities for our students and our new, state-of-the-art facilities have allowed for the myself and others, are the benefits that playing Our Ladies Gaelic footballers went one step further introduction of more activities such as handball, tennis, table tennis, and won the All-Ireland Final against Claregalway, gymnastics and jiu-jitsu as recreational pursuits open to all. school sports have taught me over the years." Co. Galway. This is the first senior All-Ireland title in Ladies Gaelic football in the school’s history and with over 120 registered members across all Sian Fitzgerald - Captain of the Senior Team 2020 year groups we look forward to future success. THE ACADEMY 30 PROSPECTUS 2020 “The Academy 5K run was brilliant fun on a sunny June evening. Hundreds of people took part and lots of people were cheering us on along the route! There was a great atmosphere and we were even treated with a BBQ and ice cream at the finish.” James O’Hagan, Yr10 Extracurricular Activities
Our extracurricular programme is designed Extracurricular Activities to prepare our pupils for employment, active citizenship and leadership. We are committed Astronomy Club to developing the whole person. We offer a Academy 5K wide range of extracurricular options, which Book Club provide pupils with the opportunities to: Chess Club
• Develop skills in team-building, leadership Choir and effective communication Cookery Club • Promote confidence, enjoyment and Coding Club the development of friendship Debating/Public Speaking/ Mock Trial • Develop self-esteem and confidence • Have a sense of pride in their school Duke of Edinburgh Award • Develop ‘employability’ skills History Club • Develop a sense of responsibility IT Club
Pupils are encouraged to join at least Jiu Jitsu one club or society while at school. In a John Paul 2 Award large school such as ours, we can cater Lego Club for a wide range of individual tastes. Liturgy Group In addition, the school participates in a wide Mandarin range of competitions, including public Orchestra speaking contests in English, French and Irish, Pioneer Club creative writing competitions, art competitions, feiseanna, quizzes at local and national level School Bank as well as environmental competitions. School Nutrition and Action Group (SNAG), Sentinus R & D Engineering, June 2019 saw the inaugural Academy 5k Sports Clubs (see previous section) Run/walk. This was a truly memorable event. In glorious sunshine, approximately 600 St Vincent de Paul Society students, teachers, parents, friends of the Traditional Group school and athletes completed the course Young Enterprise Group in times ranging from 16 minutes to nearly an hour! We hope that this all-inclusive event will become an annual event and we look forward to many more participants in June 2020. THE ACADEMY PROSPECTUS 2020 33
Music and Drama
With a choice of instrumental and vocal ensembles, All Year 8 students take a drama module. The focus St Patrick’s Academy offers students a range of of lessons is on developing physical and vocal opportunities to develop their talents. The school skills, working in pairs and groups. Techniques orchestra, string ensemble, Irish traditional groups such as improvisation, mime, role-play, hot-seating and senior and junior choirs foster the musical and freeze-frames are practised; participation talents of our pupils and provide entertainment and enjoyment of drama is very much the aim at various school functions. Their talents are in Year 8. Classes take place in the Drama Suite also appreciated by the wider community, as which is fully equipped with blackout curtains, we participate in and host carol services, Spring tiered seating, Green Room, lighting and sound. concerts, feiseanna, festivals and numerous other events and competitions. Being a member Many past Academy Drama pupils have gone on of these groups offers many opportunities for to become great performers, most notably, Fra unforgettable experiences and life time memories. Fee (who studied A Level Drama and Theatre In the past, the Academy choir had the opportunity Studies and starred in the school production to perform in Carnegie Hall, New York. The Secret Garden). Fra has performed on film (Les Miserables), on Broadway (The Pillowman) Our music students take part in evening and in the West End (Dirty Dancing). recitals in preparation for their GCSE and A’ level performances and are encouraged to St. Patrick’s Academy has a wonderful tradition develop their talents to the full. The traditional of producing top class dramatic and musical group performed for President Higgins’ visit productions, most recently, Les Miserables and to officially open our new school building Twelve Angry Men. This year, Academy students and their performance was subsequently performed Seán O’Casey’s great play, Juno used on the President’s official website. and the Paycock. This was an exciting time for us as it was the first school production in the The music department is delighted to be involved new Academy. Follow the QR link below to get with the EA Music service’s project called Music an insight in to our preparations, performance Makers. This hugely successful project involves and final night performance of Juno and the the music department, instrumental tutors and Paycock. Being an active member of the music “It’s almost impossible for me to imagine a life without local primary schools coming together to make and drama departments offers opportunities music fun as well as educational and aims to help of a lifetime which are not to be missed! music and drama. Many of the best moments in my life each young musician to develop their abilities have been onstage, rehearsing and performing. Not only and confidence in playing and performing. The have I forged real friendships, I have challenged myself project culminates in an annual concert which has been hosted by St Patrick’s Academy. and achieved successes I never knew I was capable of. For all the right reasons, performance is addictive.” Ronan Johnson THE ACADEMY 34 PROSPECTUS 2020
Opportunities Near and Far
In St Patrick’s Academy there is a world of Languages are well catered for, with frequent opportunity awaiting our students. Every year, sojourns to France and the Gaeltacht regions. there are a wide range of trips and educational Every June, Year 10 students make their way adventures on offer that cut across all age groups to Paris for a fabulous language tour (and and areas of interest. Bringing history to life is a a quick visit to Euro Disney) and in July our key aim of the history department and Academy young Gaels have the opportunity to fully pupils certainly have been busy. Last year our immerse themselves in the native language Year 10 pupils visited WW1 battlefields in France and culture by attending the Gaeltacht. and Belgium as part of the Shared Education Programme along with pupils from RSD. The annual Every year as part of the Shared Education history trip took over 40 pupils to Munich in 2018 Programme 80 pupils from St Patrick’s Academy and this year the department took over 30 pupils to and Royal School Dungannon embark on the Berlin where they uncovered the murky stories of internationally recognised Duke of Edinburgh/ the Nazis and the Cold War whilst also sampling the Presidents Award scheme. Pupils take part in a local culture. Taking adventures even further afield, series of activities including planning, training for October 2019 saw the history department embark and completing a hill walking/ canoeing expedition on a trip of a life time taking over 30 students to in pursuit of their silver or gold awards. It’s all New York, Boston and Washington in an effort to about setting personal challenges and pushing broaden horizons and bring pupils learning to life. personal boundaries. Through this scheme young people have fun, make friends, improve In the Academy we value international opportunities. their self-esteem and build confidence. They Since 2012 our school has participated in the gain essential skills and attributes for work Erasmus+ scheme where junior and senior students and life such as resilience, problem-solving, have the opportunity to work and communicate team-working and communication. with pupils from across Europe, investigating issues of international relevance and importance. This has brought us together with pupils and teachers from Poland, Romania, Spain, Italy, Turkey and Portugal. This year we are working on developing new schemes for students and teachers which will provide more exciting opportunities for all. THE ACADEMY PROSPECTUS 2020 37
Our annual ski trip to Europe is also a highlight in our international year and whether you are a novice or a veteran, the trip of a lifetime is assured. Pupils are provided with the opportunity to experience a new and thrilling sport; it also gives them the chance to build resilience, improve their health and fitness and experience local cultures.
We are very proud to have a young skier in our school, Adam Brown, who was selected in January 2019 to represent Ireland at the Trofeu Borrufa Childrens competition in Andorra. This is one of the most prestigious and important tests of the alpine skiing calendar for Children of the International FIS circuit. We couldn’t ask for a better role model for our aspiring skiers and we wish Adam the best of luck in the selection process for 2020.
“I have been skiing since I was four years old. I love skiing and I wish I could ski everyday! In 2019 I was selected to compete for Ireland at the most important children’s ski race in the FIS calendar in Andorra. It was an amazing experience and I felt so proud to be representing my country. If you haven’t tried skiing, why not give it a go? You could go on the annual school ski trip. I hope to see you on the slopes!” Adam Brown, Yr 10 THE ACADEMY PROSPECTUS 2020 39
Bigger and Better
A bigger school means more for everyone; “I am so happy I chose to come to St Patrick’s • More subject options Academy. It is one of the best choices I have • More extracurricular opportunities ever made. The extracurricular opportunities are • More facilities amazing. You can start a new sport or continue • More friends enjoying the sports you love. They have all the • More specialised staff sporting facilities you could ever need.” • More career and business opportunities Marianna Loughran, St Mary’s P.S. Dunamore • More success “There are so many clubs and activities “You might feel scared to start first year, you and so many new people to meet which might be excited. It is normal to have these means we can make lots of new friends.” emotions, but when you get into your Academy Dara O’Hagan, St John’s P.S. Kingsisland uniform you will feel brave. When you walk into your classroom and sit down you will feel strong. “When I was starting on my first day I was nervous, You might be nervous about making new friends I thought I would get lost or not make friends but because you might not know many people but there was no need to be nervous because I have don’t worry, it is easy to make new friends. So made lots of new friends and it is really easy and when you start the Academy don’t be afraid, fun to find your way around because of all the signs feel brave because it is an amazing school.” and the senior prefects are always there to help.” Maeve Lyons, St Patrick’s P.S. Niamh Kerr, St John’s P.S. Moy
“I came from a really small primary school and “I really like all the clubs available because I didn’t know anyone else starting year 8. I was it opens you to a world of new experiences excited to make new friends and I soon discovered that you would never think possible and it that a bigger school really is a better school. There also introduces you to people who have are so many new things to try no matter what your the same hobbies and interests as you.” interests are and so many new people to meet” Caolan Mc Geown, St John the Caoimhín Conroy, St Brigid’s P.S. Altamuskin Baptist P.S. Portadown THE ACADEMY 40 PROSPECTUS 2020
Leadership and Personal Development
“In the Academy, we are always mindful that we are trying a few! It’s a great way to make new friends preparing young people for life. We encourage our outside of the classroom setting. Over the years, pupils from an early age to take on responsibilities, I have been given the opportunity to develop my develop self-confidence and good decision- passion for Speech and Drama through the KS3 making skills and to assume leadership roles. Public Speaking event, debating competitions and other events such as the National Bar Mock I can clearly remember visiting the Academy at Trial Competition. As I write this, I am currently the Open Day for the first time 7 years ago. It was rehearsing for our forthcoming production of a snowy day, but the school (in the old school Sean O’Casey’s play, ‘Juno and the Paycock.’ building then) seemed so warm and welcoming. I can still feel the excitement of my first day as There have been other special memories of my an Academy pupil in 8D, dressed in my navy time here at the Academy, notably our recent and blue. I find it hard to believe that I am now in Year 14 School Formal, and also school trips my final year at the Academy, preparing for the such as the Year 10 trip to Paris, and summer next chapter of my life… and to tell the truth, I’m visits to the Gaeltacht with my friends. a little envious of prospective new students! However, while these highlights may stand Year 8 is an exciting time at the Academy. You out, the best things about life at the ‘Acadamh’ will make many new friends, meet many new are the friends I’ve made, including my form teachers and start to learn a range of new subjects. teacher and other teachers who have played In year 8, my favourite subject was Irish and a huge part in helping me become the person this is still the case six years later! I will always I am today. The Academy has fostered and remember our Year 8 fancy dress competition developed my talents and skills to help me at Halloween when my friends and I won a prize make my way through life in an ever-changing for dressing up as Alice in Wonderland, the Mad world. My friends and I have all shared life over Hatter and the Queen of Hearts! I joined the the past 7 years with its happy times and sad School Choir in Year 8 and we performed on times, and I have always felt totally supported BBC Children in Need that year. I am still in the and encouraged by everyone at the Academy. School Choir and over the years, I have enjoyed My friends from here will be my friends for life! “St. Patrick’s Academy has provided me with a stellar education but performing many times, including at our annual more importantly fulfilling personal development and freedom of self- Carol Services and Spring concerts, our school My advice to new students is to embrace all the production of ‘Les Misérables’, the School opportunities that the Academy has to offer in expression. The school is a hub in the community for social activity and Gala Ball and our Official New School Opening these fabulous new surroundings. School days continues to prove to be central to my lifestyle and the lives of all other last year for President Michael D Higgins. really are the best days of your life! So work pupils- enriching us beyond the syllabus. We are enthusiastically offered hard and play hard...and you will be very happy There are many other extracurricular activities here! I have loved my time at the Academy and the opportunity to become mindful young citizens with the support and on offer at the Academy and I definitely advise will always count myself an ‘Academy Girl!’” guidance from all staff members; and for that I am forever grateful.” Clare O’Hagan Head Girl Jarlath Swail, Head Boy THE ACADEMY 42 PROSPECTUS 2020
Careers
We believe that it takes more than good grades to achieve success Students’ Work Experience Stories in life and we believe that through our tailored careers programme, we can help students develop the knowledge, skills, qualities Martin Curran, Yr 14 Student studying Lorcan Hughes, Yr14 student studying and attitudes which give them a strong foundation for lifelong Economics, Business and Maths Chemistry, Biology and Maths learning and work in a rapidly changing economic environment. “Business studies has been my favourite subject since GCSE “My interest in medicine was sparked by a curiosity in the Discrete CEIAG timetable provision is offered to pupils and I knew I really wanted to pursue a career in Business genetic disorder, Fragile X Syndrome. Using The British throughout each Key Stage and a taught programme of Management & Finance, so last year I began to research online Medical Journal to research Fragile X, I discovered it is the employability/careers education is followed. The programme for work placements that could give me a real taste of what most common cause of inherited intellectual disability due aims to deepen pupils’ awareness of their own capabilities and it might be like working in the financial sector. This is where I to a genetic mutation which results in abnormal brain provide opportunities to develop them. Pupils are taught the found the JP Morgan APP Residential; this internship would development and function. My research also allowed me importance of thorough research and are closely supported give me the chance to experience the world of finance and to uncover the diversity of medicine while working in a through the decision-making process at key points of transition. banking in London. This program was fully funded through pharmacy allowed me to speak to several GPs about a Through group work and independent endeavour, they are the Social Mobility Foundation. I thought it seemed pretty career in medicine. This knowledge, coupled with my given opportunities to demonstrate enterprise and initiative unlikely that I would get accepted but it couldn’t hurt to try. research crystallised my desire to become a doctor. and to explore the world of further education and work. The careers department was really helpful especially when Enthused, I attended a three-day Medical The school has strong and ever-widening links with both it came to the application form. I could complete most of the Programme in Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, universities and local business and offers work-related learning form myself, including the essay questions, although I did where I spoke to senior and trainee doctors opportunities through a range of industry visits and in-school talks find some parts of the application challenging. The careers who gave me an insight into the long hours and events. A school-based work experience programme is in department provided me with some extra guidance and and sacrifices involved, but despite the place for all Year 13 pupils. Job applications and interview skills Mr Donnelly helped to improve my chances by writing an daily challenges they all spoke of the play a prominent role in careers lessons from year 12 onwards and exceptional recommendation letter. After a few months of high level of job satisfaction. I attended our own mock interview programme has been hugely successful waiting, I found out that my application was successful. interactive workshops including ‘Suturing in helping our students secure places in the most competitive Skills’ and ‘Breaking Bad News’ which university courses including those in Oxford and Cambridge, Over the two weeks I spent in J.P. Morgan’s London commercial illustrated the broad nature and often where a number of our past pupils are currently studying. banking headquarters I had the exciting opportunity of less glamorous side of medicine. I shadowing market leading research analysts as well as shadowed a gastroenterologist and Full use is made of the external expertise offered by the Northern working with other young people my age on our own research neuropathologist and was impressed Ireland Careers Service and all pupils in year 12, 13 and 14 have project which we later presented to a team of senior analysts by their professional manner and the opportunity for a personal interview with a careers adviser. and associates. I also had the opportunity to shadow my effective communication skills. Parents wishing to keep up-to-date with careers events can assigned mentor from the firm in his day to day job, get Having completed this work access information via the school website and our school app. involved in trading games and decision making tasks. In the experience even more enthused evenings, we were really well looked after including a range of than I started, I hope to study In the Academy, we are always mindful that we are evening activities including the theatre, debating workshops Medicine at University.” preparing young people for life. We encourage our pupils and sightseeing tours of London. All of this was funded by from an early age to take on responsibilities, develop the Social Mobility Foundation. I made a lot of new friends self-confidence and good decision making skills. and it truly was one of the best experiences of my life.” THE ACADEMY THE ACADEMY 44 PROSPECTUS 2020 PROSPECTUS 2020 45
After School Past Pupils
We encourage our students to be outward looking and to aspire to the best universities. Our past pupils can be found in all of the top universities across the UK and Ireland. Our students find the transition to Third Level study easy because of the experience of the large Sixth Form with so many opportunities for independent learning and developing skills in team working and decision making. As one of the top feeder schools to Queen’s University, Belfast our students also enjoy one of the best retention rates at Queen’s.
Destinations of A Level Students Ellen McGrath Aidan McCallion, Zurich Insurance • Queen’s University, Belfast When I started secondary school I was unsure of what I wanted Like all new students I was apprehensive in starting • University of Ulster, Jordanstown, Magee & Coleraine to study at University, never mind what I wanted to do beyond St Patrick’s Academy, however my journey through that. I have always had a passion for literature and drama and I secondary school was both memorable and enjoyable. • St Mary’s University College, Belfast thoroughly enjoyed the way in which these subjects were taught I particularly enjoyed participating in the plentiful extra- • Stranmillis University College, Belfast throughout my seven years at the Academy. When it came to curricular activities and sports that the school provided. • Belfast Metropolitan College choosing A Levels I was very much encouraged to do what I was • South West College interested in. For my A Levels I studied Politics, English Literature, As well as gaining academic success, the Academy • Trinity College Dublin History, and Drama. During this time my enthusiasm for each of provided me with the opportunities and experiences to • Liverpool John Moores University these subjects developed and was supported by my teachers. build real life skills. I really enjoyed my work experience • University of Liverpool at a stock brokers and developing team working skills • University of Central Lancashire In addition to my formal education, I was strongly supported through participating in the Northern Ireland Build- • University of London in my application to the University of Cambridge through A-Bank competition, which we went on to win. • Kingston College, London after school sessions on subjects beyond the syllabus and • St John’s University, York help with my interview skills and personal statement. Taking on board the advice of my teachers and career advisors • University of Glasgow Upon graduating from the University of Cambridge with at St. Patrick’s Academy, I studied Mathematics, Computing • University of Edinburgh a BA in English, I worked for two years at a German NGO and Business Studies for A level. My A Level results provided • Heriot Watt University in Dublin. During these two years I worked a lot on Brexit me with a place in the Actuarial Science and Risk Management • University of Southampton related issues and travelled to Brussels and Berlin to carry course at Queen’s University. One highlight at University would • University of Dundee out lobbying in relation to the Irish border. The work ethic I be living and working in Boston, USA for a year long internship • University of Aberdeen acquired during my time at the academy helped me greatly with Liberty Mutual Insurance. Upon recently graduating in adapting to a professional working environment. with first class honours from University, I have secured a • Churchill College, Cambridge role in Zurich Insurance in Dublin as a Trainee Actuary! • University of Oxford I recently left my job in Dublin to study a Masters degree in • Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, London International Dramaturgy at the University of Amsterdam. Again I am very proud to call myself a past pupil of St. Patrick’s Academy • Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Musical Theatre, London the core skills developed during my time at the Academy helped and I look back on my time there with very fond memories. It • Apprenticeship Degree Programs me to gain a place on the programme. The foundations of drama has allowed me to form lifelong friendships alongside gaining • Employment that I enjoyed learning at the Academy have made the transition skills and experiences which will stay with me for life. from studying literature to studying drama a lot less daunting. THE ACADEMY 46 PROSPECTUS 2020
Religious Education and Spiritual Growth
Religious Education School Prayer Catholic schools are called to recognise and St Patrick, Patron of our school, respect the uniqueness of all individuals, to enable Inspire us to bring out the best in everyone. them to reach their full potential and to help create Encourage us to use our talents to the full. the world as God intends it to be. (John Paul II). Help us to respect others as much as we respect ourselves. As a Catholic school, our aim is that the pupils in Through your intercession, our care are nurtured in ‘a lived and living’ Faith. Amen. We endeavour to provide spiritual nourishment which is meaningful and enhancing in the face of ever-increasing materialism and the erosion of traditional values. Religious Education is a compulsory part of the curriculum in all year groups and at KS4 all pupils take the CCEA GCSE in RE.
The school strives to work in harmony with the Church and with parents to help to create and sustain a vibrant sense of spiritual awareness in our young people. Programmes include promoting active participation in assemblies, collective worship, retreats, fundraising for charity and community work, together with frequent visits from our school chaplain.
Central to religious life in the school is our new oratory which was officially blessed and dedicated by Archbishop Eamonn Martin in 2019. As a school we share in his sentiment, as we recall his words on that day;
“May this school continue to “Inspired by the example of our patron, St Patrick, the shine the light of learning on all Academy has at its heart the mission of presenting and who pass through its doors.” living the Good News of Jesus amongst staff, students and the wider school community, in a world in need of the Gospel’s power to transform as much as ever before.” Fr Ryan Mc Aleer, School Chaplain THE ACADEMY PROSPECTUS 2020 49
New School
In March 2019 we had a momentous occasion when Archbishop Martin and President Higgins officially opened our new school building. These new facilities are the result of decades of planning. A modern 15,000 square metre building set over two floors with extensive specialist facilities, the Academy experience has become even better for our pupils. Some of the highlights include a full size sports hall, a split level dining hall opening out into a garden, and bespoke science labs designed to maximize learning around the modern teacher/pupil relationship.
Every aspect of the school has been designed in detail, including vehicle access and bus transport so that pupils are dropped off and picked up at the school door. It is a pleasure to see our pupils enjoy the new facilities and it affords all of our young people a new status and confidence to see this level of investment in their future.
View the short QR clip below of the historic and memorable day when we welcomed the President of Ireland to officially open our new school building.
“As President of Ireland I salute the vision, the energy, the ambition and the teamwork of this school community and congratulate you on this fine new building. It will serve as a reminder always to all who pass through it, of what St Patrick’s Acadamy can and will continue to do. To help students to flourish in the happy, secure and supportive space that you have created here in Dungannon.“ Michael D Higgins, President of Ireland, 8th March 2019 THE ACADEMY 50 PROSPECTUS 2020
Charities
Our school prides itself not only on academic Through this work we see our pupils grow as success, but also on creating a school ethos confident and responsible young people with a with relationships and community at its heart. strong sense of social justice. We are grateful for As part of this, we actively encourage all our our parents’ support in this work and the very fine pupils to get involved in fundraising activities young people they are raising in a spirit of charity for both local and international charities. towards those less fortunate than ourselves. We are extremely proud, as a school to have raised in excess of £21,512.87 to support need in the local and global community over the past year.
Year Group Activities Charity Amount Raised 8 Fancy Dress School Counselling Service £2,044.97 9 Sponsored Walk Multiple Sclerosis £4,513.47 10 Sponsored Sports Event Zambia Fund £1,063.25 11 Quiz School Counselling £1,671.25 Service & AT Society 12 Sponsored Dance/Sports Day Solving Kids Cancer £2,490.93 Leukaemia and Lymphoma NI 13 Christmas Jumper Day Cruise Bereavement Care, £1,683 Myaware & Breast Cancer Now 14 Fast/Silence Concern £1,000 Fast/Silence Trócaire £1,500 All 60 Hampers St Vincent de Paul 316 Shoe Boxes Shoe Box Appeal Staff 5k every day in December Children’s Cancer Unit £5,546 completed by Mrs Lilleker £21,512.87 37 Killymeal Road Dungannon Co Tyrone BT71 6DS Tel 028 877 27400 Fax 028 877 22745 [email protected] www.stpatricksacademy.org.uk